Miller was only 43 when he died Friday after a nine-month battle with cancer. He left his home in New Philadelphia more than 24 years ago to serve in the United States Marine Corps. He was deployed several times, including serving tours of duty in Kuwait, Somalia and Iraq. Along the way, he had become a drill instructor and mentor for many of the Marines who were present at his funeral Tuesday.

“Today, I know you’re heartbroken. You lost your husband, a dad, more importantly — a friend,” Thomas told Miller’s family. “I want you to know that today Don’s not suffering anymore from the disease that took his life.

“You will walk with him again. You will see him again,” he said.

“Your dad will never ever leave you,” Thomas told Miller’s four sons, Zachary, Devin, Cole and Hayden. “When you have moments in your life when you need to hear his voice, you will.”

Thomas was brief, as the attending Marines went about honoring one of their own. Six flags were presented, one to Miller’s wife, Katie; his mother, Beverly Cole; and his sons.

A MARINE, MENTOR AND FRIEND

While many attended Miller’s funeral, there still were numerous people who couldn’t attend who were touched by his life and his family’s struggle.

“He was like an uncle to me,” said Marine Sgt. Ly Thach. “And I have no doubt that other young Marines there felt the same toward him as well.”

Thach, who is currently serving overseas, sent The Times-Reporter his thoughts about Miller through email.

Miller was Thach’s Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge when the two men were stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station in Iwakuni, Japan, from 2009 to August 2010.

Thach said Marines felt inspired by Miller — as well as intimidated.

“He was scary; his raspy voice seemed to choke his subordinates, and his large, muscular figure looked intimidating whenever he spoke to us, even more so to the unfortunate Marines that happened to stand merely a few feet in front of him,” Thach said.

After getting to know Miller better, Thach realized how much he cared about his charges.

“He transformed kids, most of them high school graduates, into men and women,” Thach said. “(There was) something about him that made us feel safe being around him; his smiles always seemed to say, ‘I’m proud of you.’ Every time he patted me on my back, I could feel the flow of energy from him, his positive attitude, his sense of worthiness, his pride.”

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Making sense of Miller’s death has been difficult for Thach. He said he realizes millions of people die from cancer every year, but he never thought he’d know someone who would die from the disease.

“And knowing someone who lived such an honorable life as Master Gunnery Sgt. Miller died of cancer is even more terrifying,” he said. “It just further proves that life is anything but fair.”

Marines, such as Thach, reached out to Miller, after learning about a benefit his cousin, Sarah Meyers, held for him July 27. The benefit was to help cover unexpected medical costs, she said. Meyers said there was a tremendous response both locally and from Marines all over the world, many of whom had spent time with Miller during one of his tours. She said the benefit touched Miller and his wife and that they were grateful for the support they received.

IN HIS OWN WORDS

Miller spoke of his gratitude when he agreed to be interviewed about the benefit in July. During the interview at his Malvern home, he spoke candidly about the devastation of his diagnosis, the joy he still felt when it came to his wife and four sons, his military career and the way his faith helped him cope with the prospect of death.

He joined the Marine Corps a year after he graduated from New Philadelphia High School saying he wanted to be a part of something “bigger than” himself. That led to a 24-year career that would take him to Okinawa, Japan, Kuwait, Qatar, Somalia, Singapore, Australia and Iraq. During that time, he married his high school sweetheart, Katie, and the two started their family. The Millers moved all over the United States, settling in Iwakuni, Japan, for a few years, before finally returning to the Tuscarawas Valley.

Miller said he wanted people to know that he was grateful for everyone he shared his life with and all the experiences he’d had along the way.

“I’ve lived a good life,” he said.

Through his battle with cancer, Miller said he continued to ask God for “another day, another week, another month...” so he could continue to cherish the time he had with his loved ones.

That didn’t mean he didn’t have his struggles. He made it a point to say he needed God to cope with his illness.

When asked what advice he wanted to share with people — his loved ones, fellow Marines and strangers — Miller paused.

His message was simple.

“Live a good life, trusting God,” Miller said. “Don’t put off your time making God a friend.”